LE3 .A278 2016

2016

Taylor, Phil

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

At regional-scales, individuals choose movement paths through the landscape that balance immediate needs with long term goals. Studies of individual path choice in birds have been limited due to the technological challenges of tracking small organisms over large scales, but recent developments in automated radio telemetry now makes this possible. This thesis examines regional-scale movements of Blackpoll Warblers in the Gulf of Maine during the post-breeding and fall migratory periods. Differences in movement between age groups were examined to compare movements between experienced and naïve individuals. For the post-breeding period, I assess support for three hypotheses for regional-scale movements – habitat change, exploration and commencement of migration – as well as determined if learning influenced adult movement during this period. For migrants, we explored how age, distance from natal origin, and time of year relate to the scale of movement observed during “stopover”. During both periods, birds moved on scales much greater than was traditionally expected. During post-breeding, the ultimate goal of movement differed between age groups, with adults making directed movements south to New England, and hatch-years making exploratory movements constrained within Nova Scotia. Movements tracked regionally during migration were highly variable, and with a few exceptions, seemed to be non-migratory. The scale of migratory movement was greater in adults, suggesting these movements are likely not accidental. The degree of movement observed suggests that flying is less costly than assumed or provides a benefit to birds that is not recognized by ornithologists.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1581